Saxony seeks solutions against extreme weather at Open Data Camp

The Free State of Saxony wants "hackers with cool ideas" to help it adapt to extreme weather conditions. At the "Open Data Camp" at the Dresden University of Applied Sciences (HTW), experts, students, pupils and other interested parties are to develop digital solutions for preventive and emergency aid measures, for example against floods or forest fires, as the State Chancellery announced on Monday. "The aim is to create sustainable solutions that make our urban society more resilient and make urban life fit for the future," said Dresden's Mayor of Economic Affairs Jan Pratzka (CDU). The so-called hackathon is also an opportunity for programming enthusiasts. IT talents have already been discovered at events of this kind.

The participants tackle various problems using freely available data from administration, business, science and research. The best results are reportedly recognized by a jury and awarded prizes in various categories. "Unconventional solutions are needed for the pressing challenges of our time," said State Secretary for Digital Administration and Administrative Modernization, Thomas Popp, according to the press release. A great treasure trove of data lies dormant in the authorities of the Free State, which urgently needs to be unearthed.

The "Open Data Camp" is a component of the EU project MAtchUP, according to the press release. Dresden was selected as part of a Europe-wide competition to implement the project, which is funded by the European Commission. The Saxon State Chancellery is participating in this year's edition of the camp for the first time as a co-organizer. Interested parties can register until May 12.